{{short description|German chauffeur company based in Berlin}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Excessive citations|details=Especially in the "2014" section.|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox company | name = Blacklane | logo = Blacklane Logo - 200 px.png | type = Privately held company | industry = Transport | founded = {{start date and age|2011|09}} in Berlin, Germany | founders = Jens Wohltorf, Frank Steuer | hq_location_city = Berlin | hq_location_country = Germany | area_served = Worldwide | services = Professional chauffeur and airport concierge service | num_employees = over 300 (2025)<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Blacklane|url=https://www.blacklane.com/en/about/|access-date=2026-02-13|website=www.blacklane|language=en-US}}</ref> | website = {{url|https://blacklane.com/en}} }}
'''Blacklane GmbH''' is a provider of premium global chauffeur services, which provides a chauffeur portal connecting people to professional chauffeurs via their mobile app, website and hotline.<ref name="millward">Millward, Steven. [http://www.techinasia.com/blacklane-expands-tokyo-japan-moves-across-asia/ "Aiming to usurp Uber, Blacklane arrives in 18th Asian city with Tokyo roll-out"], [http://www.techinasia.com/ ''Tech in Asia''], 12 December 2013.</ref><ref name="traveldaily">Karantzavelou, Vicky. [https://archive.today/20140611125230/http://www.traveldailynews.com/news/article/59774/chauffeur-portal-blacklane-launches-in "Chauffeur portal Blacklane launches in the UK"], [http://www.traveldailynews.com/ ''Travel Daily News''], 28 March 2014.</ref> The company offers a prebooking service at a fixed rate and doesn't own its own fleet, but works with local chauffeur companies<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vipchauffeurhire.com/|title=Chauffeur Company UK|last=Myers|first=Shaan|website=London Chauffeur Service|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-18}}</ref> in each of its cities.<ref name="reuckert">Reuckert, Elena. [http://venturevillage.eu/ready-set-expand-blacklane-launches-in-the-uk "Ready, Set, Expand: Blacklane Launches in the UK"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328043647/http://venturevillage.eu/ready-set-expand-blacklane-launches-in-the-uk |date=2014-03-28 }}, [http://venturevillage.eu/ ''Venture Village''], 26 March 2014.</ref><ref name="travolution">Travolution. [http://www.travolution.co.uk/articles/2014/03/26/7672/chauffer-car-portal-blacklane-launches-in-the-uk.html "Chauffeur car portal Blacklane launches in the UK"], [http://www.travolution.co.uk/ ''Travolution''], 26 March 2014.</ref><ref name="green">Green, Jonathan. [http://www.smart-mobilitymanagement.com/blacklane_chauffeured_limousine_app_arrives_in_london_after_successful_start_in_berlin_53630-en-428-184034.html "Blacklane chauffeured limousine app arrives in London after successful start in Berlin"], [http://www.smart-mobilitymanagement.com/ ''Smart Mobility Management''], 21 March 2013.</ref><ref name="wsj">Schmidt, Nico and Geiger, Friedrich. [https://web.archive.org/web/20131222011424/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20131217-704085.html?dsk=y "Daimler Invests in Chauffeur Portal Startup Blacklane"], ''The Wall Street Journal'', 17 December 2013.</ref><ref name="hundert">The Hundert. [http://www.the-hundert.com/startups/blacklane/ "BLACKLANE"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614214241/http://www.the-hundert.com/startups/blacklane/ |date=2014-06-14 }}, [http://www.the-hundert.com/ ''The Hundert''], May 2014.</ref> Airport pickups include one hour of free waiting time, while all non-airport pickups include 15 minutes.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Blacklane Links With Groundspan For Better Booking Options - Operations - Limousine, Charter & Tour|url=https://www.lctmag.com/news/720177/blacklane-links-with-groundspan-for-better-booking-options|access-date=2017-11-07|website=www.lctmag.com|language=en-US}}</ref> Guests can also edit or cancel their bookings for free up to one hour before a one-way transfer.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Limo service earns FFP points : TTR Weekly|url=http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2017/10/limo-service-earns-ffp-points/|access-date=2017-11-07|website=www.ttrweekly.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
== History ==
=== 2011-2012 ===
The company was founded in 2011 university friends, Jens Wohltorf and Frank Steuer, in Berlin, Germany.<ref name="millward" /><ref name="wsj" /><ref name="hundert" /><ref>HKTDC. [http://www.hktdc.com/info/mi/a/hkthk/en/1X09UOOC/1/Hong-Kong-Trader-Hong-Kong-Edition/Life-In-The-Fast-Lane.htm "Life in the Fast Lane"], [http://www.hktdc.com/info/mi/hkthk/en/index.htm ''Hong Kong Trader''], 18 September 2013.</ref> Backed by the investors RI Digital Ventures, B-to-V Partners, 88 investments GmbH, and Car4you, the company officially launched in June 2012.<ref name="hundert" /><ref>Hofmann, Alex. [http://www.gruenderszene.de/news/blacklane-finanzierung "Blacklane: Finanzierung für Limousinen-Dienst"], [http://www.gruenderszene.de/ ''Gründer Szene''], 28 June 2012.</ref> From the beginning of September, they were operating in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, München and Stuttgart.<ref>Hoffmann, Jürgen. [http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/limousinen-service-blacklane-macht-taxi-unternehmen-konkurrenz-a-861823.html "Mehr Service, höherer Preis: Limo gefällig?"], ''Spiegel Online'', 29 October 2012.</ref> By the end of the year, they had added Bremen, Leipzig, Dresden and Hannover.<ref>Hoffmann, Jürgen. [http://www.weser-kurier.de/bremen/wirtschaft2_artikel,-Limousine-zum-Kilometertarif-_arid,434258.html "Limousine zum Kilometertarif"], [http://www.weser-kurier.de/ ''Weser Kurier''], 19 November 2012.</ref><ref>Voigt, Andreas. [http://www.neuepresse.de/Hannover/Meine-Stadt/Blacklane-Limousinen-Service-zum-Taxipreis "Blacklane: Limousinen-Service zum Taxipreis"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042650/http://www.neuepresse.de/Hannover/Meine-Stadt/Blacklane-Limousinen-Service-zum-Taxipreis |date=1 December 2017 }}, [http://www.neuepresse.de/ ''Neue Presse''], 23 November 2012.</ref>
=== 2013 ===
In January 2013, it was reported that another investment round had successfully been closed with RI Digital Ventures, B-to-V Partners and Car4You taking part again, as well as Alternative Strategic Investments (Alstin), owned by German investor, Carsten Maschmeyer, taking part.<ref>Räth, Magdalena. [http://www.gruenderszene.de/news/blacklane-finanzierung-maschmeyer "Maschmeyer steigt bei Blacklane ein"], [http://www.gruenderszene.de/ ''Gründer Szene''], 14 January 2013.</ref><ref>Hüsing, Alexander. [http://www.deutsche-startups.de/2013/01/13/maschmeyer-blacklane-mydriver/ "AWD-Gründer Maschmeyer investiert in Blacklane – Sixt startet myDriver"], [http://www.deutsche-startups.de/ ''Deutsche Startups''], 13 January 2013.</ref> By May 2013, the company was operating in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, France and the UK.<ref name="li">Li, Charmaine. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130608091433/http://venturevillage.eu/blacklane-funding-us-rollout "German Limousine Service Blacklane Scores "Several Million Euros" Funding and Aims for US Rollout"], [http://venturevillage.eu/ ''Venture Village''], 21 May 2013.</ref> In August 2013, Blacklane started a project called "Mission 100", which saw 100 cities launched in as many days, ending on 16 December in Palma de Mallorca.<ref name="schmidt">Schmidt, Nico. [http://www.wsj.de/article/SB10001424052702303947904579338400290290432.html "Berliner Chauffeur-Service Blacklane will die Welt erobern"], ''The Wall Street Journal'', 24 January 2014.</ref> This project took Blacklane's coverage to 130 cities and 45 countries by the end of 2013.<ref name="reuckert" /> A day after the launch in Palma de Mallorca, it was announced that Daimler AG had invested around 10 million euros in the start up, valuing the company at just under 60 million euros.<ref name="wsj" />
=== 2014 ===
In March, Blacklane officially launched in eight UK cities - London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow - after completing its year-long beta phase.<ref name="travolution" /> Also announced in March was the testing of Blacklane's Smart Class in Berlin.<ref name="berlin">[http://www.berlin-aktuell.de/berliner-limousinenservice-blacklane-jetzt-auch-mit-smart_id21337.html "Berliner Limousinenservice Blacklane jetzt auch mit Smart"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315051803/http://www.berlin-aktuell.de/berliner-limousinenservice-blacklane-jetzt-auch-mit-smart_id21337.html |date=2014-03-15 }}, [http://www.berlin-aktuell.de/ ''Berlin Aktuell''], 11 March 2014.</ref> The "Mobilität im Wandel: Fortschritt oder Stillstand?" conference took place on 17 September 2014, in the Ritz-Carlton hotel, Berlin<ref name="heisemobilität">[http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Mobilitaet-im-Wandel-Uber-wird-sterben-2398916.html "Mobilität im Wandel: "Uber wird sterben""], [http://www.heise.de/ ''heise online''], 19 September 2014.</ref><ref name="berlinerzeitungmobilität">Neumann, Peter and Rest, Jonas. [http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/wirtschaft/mobilitaetskonferenz-in-berlin-showdown-der-taxi-duellanten,10808230,28441142.html "Showdown der Taxi-Duellanten"], [http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/ ''Berliner Zeitung''], 17 September 2014.</ref><ref name="tagesspiegelmobilität">Mechnich, Markus. [http://www.tagesspiegel.de/mobil/neue-mobilitaetsanbieter-treffen-taxi-gewerbe-alles-uber-oder-was/10731124.html/ "Alles Uber oder was?"], [http://www.tagesspiegel.de/ ''Der Tagesspiegel''], 22 September 2014.</ref><ref name="weltmobilität">Fahrun, Joachim. [https://www.welt.de/print/welt_kompakt/berlin/article132362070/Uber-gegen-die-anderen.html "Uber gegen die anderen"], [https://www.welt.de/ ''Die Welt''], 18 September 2014.</ref><ref name="morgenmobilität">Fahrun, Joachim. [http://www.morgenpost.de/berlin/article132367826/Chauffeurdienst-Uber-legt-sich-mit-einer-ganzen-Branche-an.html "Chauffeurdienst Uber legt sich mit einer ganzen Branche an"], [http://www.morgenpost.de/ ''Morgen Post''], 18 September 2014.</ref> 10,12. The conference was called by Jens Wohltorf, the CEO and Founder of Blacklane,<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="berlinerzeitungmobilität" /><ref name="tagesspiegelmobilität" /><ref name="morgenmobilität" /><ref name="wzmobilität">[http://www.wz-newsline.de/home/multimedia/alt-gegen-neu-branche-debattiert-hitzig-um-fahrdienst-uber-1.1743738 "«Alt gegen Neu»: Branche debattiert hitzig um Fahrdienst Uber"], [http://www.wz-newsline.de/home ''Westdeutsche Zeitung''], 17 September 2014.</ref><ref name="szmobilität">[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/news/wirtschaft/verkehr-alt-gegen-neu-branche-debattiert-hitzig-um-fahrdienst-uber-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-140917-99-05991 "«Alt gegen Neu»: Branche debattiert hitzig um Fahrdienst Uber"], [http://www.sueddeutsche.de/ ''Süddeutsche Zeitung''], 17 September 2014.</ref><ref name="weltmobilität2">[https://www.welt.de/newsticker/dpa_nt/infoline_nt/computer_nt/article132351369/Branche-debattiert-hitzig-um-Fahrdienst-Uber.html "Branche debattiert hitzig um Fahrdienst Uber"], [https://www.welt.de/ ''Die Welt''], 17 September 2014.</ref><ref name="taxiheutemobilität">Fund, Dietmar. [http://www.taxi-heute.de/Taxi-News/News/11423/Blacklane-Symposium-konfrontiert-Uber-mit-dem-Taxigewerbe "Blacklane-Symposium konfrontiert Uber mit dem Taxigewerbe"], [http://www.taxi-heute.de/ ''taxi heute''], 18 September 2014.</ref><ref name="wsmobilität2">Dörner, Stephan. [http://www.wsj.de/nachrichten/SB12595499785223203469604580161601035389816 "Daimler-Tochter arbeitet an der Abschaffung des Privatautos"], [https://www.wsj.com/europe ''The Wall Street Journal''], 18 September 2014.</ref> in the hope of provoking an open dialogue and providing the opportunity to collaborate not through the media, but face-to-face with decision makers from government, business, the taxi industry and mobility startups.<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="berlinerzeitungmobilität" /><ref name="weltmobilität" /><ref name="morgenmobilität" /><ref name="wzmobilität" /><ref name="szmobilität" /><ref name="weltmobilität2" /><ref name="taxiheutemobilität" /><ref name="mobilityintransition">{{Cite web |url=http://mobilityintransition.com/ |title=Mobilität im Wandel |access-date=2015-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407005542/http://mobilityintransition.com/ |archive-date=2015-04-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Most attention was paid to Uber Germany's General Manager and spokesperson, Fabien Nestmann,<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="berlinerzeitungmobilität" /><ref name="tagesspiegelmobilität" /><ref name="weltmobilität" /><ref name="morgenmobilität" /><ref name="wzmobilität" /><ref name="szmobilität" /><ref name="weltmobilität2" /><ref name="taxiheutemobilität" /><ref name="wsjmobilität">Grimm, Christian. [http://www.wsj.de/nachrichten/SB11828383211784233876504580159922746878004 "Der nette Herr Nestmann von Uber"], [https://www.wsj.com/europe ''The Wall Street Journal''], 17 September 2014.</ref> with Uber being called "criminal",<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="tagesspiegelmobilität" /> and Nestmann being asked if he is in favour of "Schwarzarbeit",<ref name="weltmobilität" /><ref name="morgenmobilität" /> by Michael Müller,<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="berlinerzeitungmobilität" /><ref name="tagesspiegelmobilität" /><ref name="weltmobilität" /><ref name="morgenmobilität" /><ref name="wzmobilität" /><ref name="szmobilität" /><ref name="weltmobilität2" /><ref name="taxiheutemobilität" /><ref name="wsjmobilität" /> the President of the German Taxi and Car Hire Association. The main argument for this was focused on opponents saying Uber was trying to get around Germany's "Personenbeförderungsgesetz" which determines the rules of passenger transportation.<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="berlinerzeitungmobilität" /><ref name="morgenmobilität" /><ref name="wzmobilität" /><ref name="szmobilität" /><ref name="weltmobilität2" /><ref name="taxiheutemobilität" /><ref name="wsjmobilität" /> Further attendees and speakers included Kai Wegner of the CDU/CSU political party,<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="berlinerzeitungmobilität" /><ref name="tagesspiegelmobilität" /><ref name="morgenmobilität" /><ref name="szmobilität" /><ref name="weltmobilität2" /><ref name="mobilityintransition" /> Alexander Mönch from MyTaxi,<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="weltmobilität" /><ref name="morgenmobilität" /><ref name="mobilityintransition" /> Sabine Toepfer Kataw, Secretary of State in the Senate Department of Justice and Consumer Protection,<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="berlinerzeitungmobilität" /><ref name="morgenmobilität" /><ref name="wzmobilität" /><ref name="szmobilität" /><ref name="weltmobilität2" /><ref name="mobilityintransition" /> Robert Henrich, from moovel GmbH,<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="taxiheutemobilität" /><ref name="wsmobilität2"/><ref name="mobilityintransition" /> Clemens Grün, from the Hamburg Taxi Union<ref name="berlinerzeitungmobilität" /><ref name="wsmobilität2"/><ref name="wsjmobilität" /> and Sascha Schubert, from the Federal Union of German Startups.<ref name="heisemobilität" /><ref name="morgenmobilität" /><ref name="mobilityintransition" />
=== 2015 === In March 2015, Blacklane partnered with Amadeus IT Group.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.phocuswire.com/TrustYous-new-quartet-Virgin-Holidays-with-Magnolia-Ice-Portal-gets-Qunar-and-more- | title=TrustYou's new quartet, Virgin Holidays with Magnolia, Ice Portal gets Qunar, and more…| work=Phocuswire | date=1 April 2015}}</ref><ref>[http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2015/03/taxi-rides-join-amadeus/ "Taxi rides join Amadeus"], [http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/ ''ttrweekly''], 10 March 2015.</ref> Also in March, Blacklane was recognized as Germany's fastest growing tech startup at the European Tech5 Awards in Berlin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thenextweb.com/nextconference/2015/03/24/tech5-germany-blacklane-named-germanys-fastest-growing-tech-startup/#gref|title=Blacklane Named Germany's Fastest Growing Tech Startup|author=Mic Wright|work=The Next Web|date=24 March 2015|access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref> In April, Blacklane expanded service to 36 more cities in North America.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Divac|first1=Natascha|title=Germany's Blacklane Gains Traction in the U.S.|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2015/04/16/germanys-blacklane-gains-traction-in-the-u-s/|website=The Wall Street Journal|date=16 April 2015|publisher=Wall Street Journal|access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref> Quartz, a news publication from Atlantic Media, used this launch to discuss the company's business model: "Blacklane, a Berlin-based taxi app operating in 186 cities across 50 countries, is betting on an alternative to price rationing: reverse Dutch auctions."<ref name="Quartz">{{cite web|last1=Herbert|first1=David|title=Blacklane wants to be Uber with a heart, if drivers and customers will let it|url=http://qz.com/384728/blacklane-wants-to-be-uber-with-a-heart-if-drivers-and-customers-will-let-it/|website=Quartz|date=16 April 2015 |publisher=Atlantic Media|access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref> A traditional Dutch auction starts with a high price and consistently goes lower until the item is sold, but with reverse auctions, the price starts low and goes higher until it is sold. For Blacklane, when a ride is booked, an offer is sent out to drivers at a low price, and after a few minutes, if no one buys the ride, then the price goes up.<ref name="Quartz" /> Blacklane made Wired UK's list of Europe's Hottest Startups 2015.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2015/09/features/100-hottest-european-startups-2015-berlin|title=Europe's hottest startups 2015: Berlin|magazine=Wired UK}}</ref>
=== 2016 ===
In February 2016, Blacklane added Las Vegas to its destinations<ref>[http://www.lctmag.com/operations/article/711718/ride-app-widens-reach-with-legal-licensed-chauffeurs "Ride App Widens Reach With Legal, Licensed Chauffeurs "], [http://www.lctmag.com/ ''LCT Magazin''], 4 April 2016.</ref> followed by Venice, Monaco and Toulouse in July.<ref>[http://www.montecarlonews.it/2016/07/15/notizie/argomenti/altre-notizie-1/articolo/blacklane-introduce-il-servizio-porta-a-porto-a-venezia-e-aggiunge-tolosa-e-monaco.html "Blacklane introduce il servizio "porta a porto" a Venezia e aggiunge Tolosa e Monaco"], [http://www.montecarlonews.it/ ''montecarlonews''], 15 July 2016.</ref> On 1 August Blacklane announced new investment in its biggest funding round yet.<ref>[http://fortune.com/2016/08/01/daimler-blacklane-uber/ "Daimler Doubles Down On Regulator-Friendly Ride-Booking Services"], [http://fortune.com/ ''Fortune''], 1 August 2016.</ref> Daimler, RI Digital Ventures, b-to-v and Alstin invested in this round.<ref name="Bloomberg">[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-01/daimler-boosts-blacklane-stake-as-ride-sharing-market-heats-up "Daimler Boosts Blacklane Stake as Ride-Sharing Market Heats Up"], [https://www.bloomberg.com ''Bloomberg''] 1 August 2016.</ref> The amount has been described as "eight-digit" by Daimler<ref>[https://www.hcdchauffeurdrive.com/ "chauffeur service start-up HCD Chauffeur Drive"], [http://www.businessinsider.com ''Business Insider''], 1 August 2016.</ref> or "more than 10 million euros" by Blacklane's CEO, Jens Wohltorf.<ref name="Bloomberg" /> In early November 2016, the German hotel reservation service HRS chose Blacklane as its “first professional driver service<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imperialride.com/|title=Professional London Chauffeurs|last=Nivijo|first=Rano|website=Imperial Ride|language=en|access-date=2019-04-26}}</ref> to transfer guests from airports to their accommodation”.<ref name="travolutionHRS">[http://travolution.com/articles/100390/blacklane-taxis-to-take-hrs-guests-between-hotels-and-airports "Blacklane taxis to take HRS guests between hotels and airports"], [http://travolution.com/ ''Travolution''], 2 November 2016.</ref> In December Ralf Echtler, a former Daimler executive, joined Blacklane as chief operating and chief financial officer. Echtler had previously sat on Blacklane's board of advisors.<ref name="tech.eu">[http://tech.eu/brief/blacklane-apac-daimler/ "Blacklane launches in Asia-Pacific, appoints ex-Daimler executive as COO/CFO"], [http://tech.eu/ ''tech.eu''], 13 December 2016.</ref><ref name="businesstraveller">[https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2016/12/15/professional-driver-service-blacklane-expands-asia-pacific/ "Professional driver service Blacklane expands in Asia-Pacific"], [https://www.businesstraveller.com/ ''Business Traveller''], 15 December 2016.</ref> Blacklane also announced the rolling out of an additional 64 cities in 12 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, the opening of a regional office in Singapore and a partnership with Asia Miles.<ref name="tech.eu"/> When Daimler increased their presence with Blacklane it was to enable a larger customer base in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dougnewcomb/2016/08/03/daimler-increases-bet-in-high-end-ride-sharing-service-blacklane/#5caec7e23f00 |last=Newcomb |first=Doug |date=3 August 2016 |title=Daimler Increases Bet In High-End Ride-Sharing Service Blacklane |work=Forbes |access-date=23 September 2019}}</ref>
=== 2017 ===
In February 2017, Blacklane integrated with the global ground transportation system GroundSpan.<ref name="lct groundspan">[http://www.lctmag.com/operations/news/720177/blacklane-links-with-groundspan-for-better-booking-options/ "Blacklane Links With Groundspan For Better Booking Options"], {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309000911/http://www.lctmag.com/operations/news/720177/blacklane-links-with-groundspan-for-better-booking-options/ |date=9 March 2017 }} [http://www.lctmag.com/ ''LCT Magazine''], 23 February 2017.</ref><ref name="travolution groundspan">Davies, Phil. [http://www.travolution.com/articles/101799/blacklane-unveils-tie-up-with-ground-transportation-platform-groundspan, "Blacklane unveils tie-up with ground transportation platform Groundspan"], [http://www.travolution.com/ ''Travolution''], 22 February 2017.</ref> This gave the company connectivity with the Concur Technologies, Sabre (computer system) and Travelport travel tools.<ref name="lct groundspan"/><ref name="travolution groundspan"/>
In March, Hertz announced its new "Hertz Driver Services powered by Blacklane." Hertz offers Blacklane rides around the world to customers based in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Expedia, Inc. was also named as a customer. Expedia offers Blacklane as an add-on for customers' flight and hotel reservations.<ref>[https://skift.com/2017/03/10/hertzs-latest-twist-is-adding-private-driver-services-from-blacklane/ "Hertz’s Latest Twist Is Adding Private Driver Services From Blacklane", [http://www.skift.com/ ''Skift''], 10 March 2017.</ref> In April, Blacklane and Asia Miles offered a triple miles promotion for every U.S. dollar, euro or British pound spent on completed rides. Asia Miles is the rewards program for Cathay Pacific airline.<ref>[https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2017/04/24/blacklane-offering-triple-asia-miles-earning/ "Blacklane launches triple Asia Miles offer", [www.businesstraveller.com ''Business Traveller''], 24 April 2017.</ref> In June, Blacklane integrated into Finnair. The partnership allows travellers to buy airport transfers when they purchase flights. In an industry first, Finnair connects air tickets to rides with the Passenger Name Record.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.phocuswire.com/Finnair-claims-ground-transport-revolution-with-PNR-integrated-web-bookings | title=Finnair claims ground transport revolution with PNR-integrated web bookings | first=Kevin | last=May | work=Phocuswire | date=13 June 2017}}</ref> In September, Blacklane partnered with Qatar Airways to provide passengers with door-to-door transportation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Arrive in Style with Qatar Airways' Luxury Global Chauffeur Service |language=en-US |work=Qatar Tribune |url=http://www.qatar-tribune.com/Latest-News/arrive-in-style-with-qatar-airways-luxury-global-chauffeur-service |access-date=2017-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ttgmena.com/qatar-airways-raises-bar-new-global-chauffer-service/|title=Qatar Airways raises bar with new global chauffer [sic] service - TTG MENA|last=Tsierkezou|first=Tatiana|date=2017-09-20|work=TTG MENA|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2017/09/20/qatar-airways-rolls-global-chauffeur-airport-transfer-service/|title=Qatar Airways rolls out global chauffeur airport transfer service - Business Traveller – The leading magazine for frequent flyers|date=2017-09-20|work=Business Traveller – The leading magazine for frequent flyers|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ausbt.com.au/qatar-airways-launches-airport-chauffeur-service-for-a-price|title=Qatar Airways launches airport chauffeur service – for a price...|work=Australian Business Traveller|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en}}</ref> In October, Blacklane partnered with Lufthansa’s Miles & More awards program for a promotion where members could sign up to receive five times the miles for every Blacklane ride taken that month.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://lufthansaflyer.boardingarea.com/miles-more-members-sign-up-for-blacklane-and-earn-5x-more-miles-in-october/|title=Miles & More Members: Sign Up For Blacklane and Earn 5x More Miles In October - Lufthansa Flyer|date=2017-10-18|work=Lufthansa Flyer|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en-US}}</ref> Blacklane also acquired Solve, an airport concierge booking service, planning to integrate their service in December. Solve offers meet and greet service, fast-track security, expedited customs and immigration, connecting flight assistance, and lounge access.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.phocuswire.com/Blacklane-buys-airport-services-startup-connects-the-dots |title=Blacklane buys airport services startup, connects the dots | first=Martin | last=Cowen | work=Phocuswire | date=13 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.theartofbusinesstravel.com/news/blacklane-to-offer-seamless-airport-experience/|title=Blacklane to Offer Seamless Airport Experience {{!}} The Art of Business Travel |website=www.theartofbusinesstravel.com|date=13 October 2017 |language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ttgasia.com/2017/10/31/blacklane-makes-inroads-in-airport-transfers/|title=Blacklane makes inroads in airport transfers {{!}} TTG Asia|last=Hamdi|first=Raini|website=www.ttgasia.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.businesstravelnews.com/Transportation/Air/Blacklane-Adds-Airport-Concierge-Services-to-Its-Booking-Platform|title=Blacklane Adds Airport Concierge Services to Its Booking Platform: Business Travel News|website=www.businesstravelnews.com|date=12 October 2017 |language=en|access-date=2017-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/blacklane-acquires-solve-to-add-airport-concierge-services-worldwide|title=Blacklane acquires Solve to add airport concierge services worldwide|work=TravelDailyNews International|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== 2018 === 24 January Blacklane announced their largest funding round to date, with ALFAHIM joining existing investors Daimler and btov Partners.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/24/blacklane/|title=Berlin's Blacklane raises $40-45M for its high-end transport on demand service – TechCrunch|website=techcrunch.com|date=24 January 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tradearabia.com/news/TTN_336133.html|title=UAE-based AlFahim leads new Blacklane funding|website=www.tradearabia.com|access-date=2018-03-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ttgasia.com/2018/01/29/largest-investment-puts-blacklane-in-fast-lane-to-expansion/|title=Largest investment puts Blacklane in fast lane to expansion {{!}} TTG Asia|last=Asia|first=TTG|website=www.ttgasia.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.frenchweb.fr/lallemand-blacklane-leve-40-millions-de-dollars-pour-gagner-du-terrain-face-a-uber/314565|title=L'Allemand Blacklane lève 40 millions de dollars pour gagner du terrain face à Uber|last=Fabrion|first=Maxence|date=2018-01-24|work=FrenchWeb.fr|access-date=2018-03-20|language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gruenderszene.de/allgemein/blacklane-investment-alfahim-daimler|title=40 Millionen für den Limousinenservice von Blacklane|work=Gründerszene Magazin|access-date=2018-03-20|language=de}}</ref> They also launched their airport concierge service, Blacklane PASS, and a service class of electric vehicles called the Green Class.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.meetingsnet.com/careerlifetravel/when-getting-vip-treatment-cost-effective|title=When Getting the VIP Treatment Is Cost-Effective|date=2018-09-27|work=MeetingsNet|access-date=2018-10-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.escape.com.au/holiday-ideas/spa-luxury/airport-concierges-the-new-face-of-luxury-travel/news-story/048e9965e3fde8e95f57892ab771a89d|title=Out of this world: Luxurious travel tales|date=2018-09-03|work=Escape|access-date=2018-10-12|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sfgate.com/chris-mcginnis/article/Airports-Lounge-fees-up-Concierge-services-13171707.php|title=Airports: Lounge fees up + Concierge services + ATL canopies + SFO restaurants + more|date=2018-09-04|work=SFGate|access-date=2018-10-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://issuu.com/alaincharles/docs/ela_4_2018/58|title=Elite Living Africa 4 2018|work=Issuu|access-date=2018-10-12|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://content.yudu.com/web/1v9j3/0A1v9nj/SeptOct2018/html/17.html?page=16&origin=reader|title=September/October 2018|website=content.yudu.com|access-date=2018-10-12}}</ref>
=== 2019 === In February, Blacklane opened their Australian office in Brisbane.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com.au/blacklane-uber-airport-luxury-chauffeur-vip-airport-rides-expands-australia-2019-2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227085852/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/blacklane-uber-airport-luxury-chauffeur-vip-airport-rides-expands-australia-2019-2|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 February 2019|title=VIP ride app is expanding in Australia, for when you're too fancy for an Uber|last=Shead|first=Sam|date=2019-02-27|website=Business Insider Australia|language=en|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref> In March the company began their expansion into the Middle East by offering chauffeur services in Amman, Jordan, and Beirut, Lebanon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.globaltravelerusa.com/blacklane-begins-middle-east-expansion-with-two-capital-cities/|title=Blacklane Begins Middle East Expansion with Two Capital Cities|date=2019-05-01|website=Global Traveler|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref> Blacklane plans an IPO in the next three years, according to Blacklane CEO Jens Wohltorf. During an interview at a Dubai tourism fair, Wohltorf stated "this would be a natural evolution of our business model and our traction to IPO in the next years to come. That’s pretty realistic."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/german-chauffeur-blacklane-plans-ipo-within-three-years-062912926--sector.html|title=German chauffeur service Blacklane plans IPO within three years|website=news.yahoo.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref>
On 6 June 2019 Blacklane unveiled their rebrand. The company moved towards humanizing the chauffeur industry, placing the chauffeurs at the heart of the company.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/06/06/1865104/0/en/Blacklane-Rebrands-and-Humanizes-the-Chauffeur-Industry.html|title=Blacklane Rebrands and Humanizes the Chauffeur Industry|last=GmbH|first=Blacklane|date=2019-06-06|website=GlobeNewswire News Room|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref> "A chauffeur inspires confidence in every personal interaction and maneuver of the vehicle. We infuse that premium experience into our entire brand and in every traveler’s encounter with us," said Wohltorf. "Chauffeurs, airport concierges, and everyone behind the scenes go the extra mile, literally and figuratively, to anticipate guests’ needs and perform service with precision."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lctmag.com/news/734469/blacklane-rebrands-to-showcase-chauffuers|title=Blacklane Rebrands To Showcase Chauffeurs - Operations - Luxury Coach & Transportation|website=www.lctmag.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref>
On 1 August 2019 CEO Jens Wohltorf was featured on the cover of the German-language print edition of Forbes (DACH) "Smart Cities".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbesdach.com/artikel/blacklane-in-guten-haenden.html |last=Fiala |first=Klaus |date=1 August 2019 |title=Blacklane: in Good Hands |work=Forbes |language=de |access-date=23 September 2019}}</ref> On 16 August 2019, it was announced that Blacklane will be working with Miracle Flights, a nonprofit organization providing free air transportation to families and children in need of medical assistance throughout the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whereverfamily.com/use-blacklane-support-miracle-flights/ |title=Use Blacklane, Support Miracle Flights |last=Platas |first=Angelique |date=16 August 2019 |work=Wherever Family |access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref>
=== 2020 === In September, Blacklane announced flat rates for intercity rides to and from London, England,<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 September 2020|title=All afford! Blacklane's new London flat-rate chauffeured rides beat trains|url=https://www.blacklane.com/en/press/releases/2u9XpOvuiKCsAGbPWNIz4/|url-status=live|website=Blacklane|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030141126/https://www.blacklane.com/en/press/releases/2u9XpOvuiKCsAGbPWNIz4/ |archive-date=30 October 2020 }}</ref> and in December they announced new rates for various intercity routes in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 December 2020|title=Get away with Blacklane: new fares give travelers the best intercity chauffeur rates|url=https://www.blacklane.com/en/press/releases/kG6GEnuV8H4jh3139nhAd/|url-status=live|website=Blacklane|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120074639/https://www.blacklane.com/en/press/releases/kG6GEnuV8H4jh3139nhAd/ |archive-date=20 January 2021 }}</ref>
=== 2021 === In February, Blacklane invested in London-based all-electric chauffeur service Havn, acquiring a majority stake.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Berlin's Blacklane raises $26M to expand its high-end chauffeur-driven sustainable car service|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/berlins-blacklane-raises-26m-expand-113057780.html|access-date=2021-04-06|website=www.yahoo.com|date=24 March 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>
In March, Blacklane launched "chauffeur hailing", a ride-hailing service with chauffeurs, in 22 cities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Blacklane is taking on Uber and Lyft amid COVID-19|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/video/blacklane-taking-uber-lyft-amid-170308996.html|access-date=2021-04-06|website=finance.yahoo.com|language=en-US}}</ref> They also raised €22 million in funding which further develops their intercity and chauffeur hailing services, as well as supporting sustainability initiatives.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Habtemariam|first=Dawit|date=24 March 2021|title=Blacklane Raises €22M|work=Business Travel News|url=https://www.businesstravelnews.com/Transportation/Ground/Blacklane-Raises-22M}}</ref>
== Regulatory opposition and outcomes ==
=== Taxi price misrepresentation 2013 ===
In April 2013, Blacklane came under attack from taxi companies saying that they were misrepresenting their pricing.<ref>Leipold, Richard. [http://www.berliner-taxi-vereinigung.de/index.php?taxinewsID=328 "Blacklane zurück auf dem Pfad der Tugend"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923183741/http://www.berliner-taxi-vereinigung.de/index.php?taxinewsID=328 |date=23 September 2015 }}, [http://www.berliner-taxi-vereinigung.de/ ''Berliner Taxi Vereinigung''] 24 April 2013.</ref> The accusation, which saw Blacklane taken to court in Berlin, was that Blacklane had unfairly and, to a great part, incorrectly presented taxi prices with a number of "hidden" additional costs. These additional costs included such things as 10% for potential delays due to traffic as well as a requirement to pay a 10% tip. This led to Blacklane's own pre-tax prices, which are fixed, appearing cheaper than the pre-tax price of a taxi. This was seen as libel and Blacklane was given the chance to remove such comparisons or face either paying up to 250,000 euros in fines or having to cease operations for up to 6 months.{{fact|date=November 2024}}
=== The Smart regulatory allowance 2014 ===
Blacklane caused a stir again in 2014 upon rolling out their Smart Class. A German law states that all taxis and limousines must have 2 doors on the right side of the vehicle.<ref>[http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bokraft_1975/__25.html "§ 25 Türen, Alarmanlage und Trennwand"], [http://www.bmjv.de/DE/Home/home_node.html ''Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625101931/http://www.bmjv.de/DE/Home/home_node.html |date=25 June 2014 }}</ref> A Smart car has only one door on the right, but also only one door on the left. Taxi companies threatened to take action, accusing Blacklane of breaking the law by using Smart cars. Blacklane revealed in interviews, that they had requested and received special permission for the use of Smart cars before the launch as only one door on the right side sufficed when it came to the safety of a Smart car.<ref>Tönnesmann, Jens. [http://blog.wiwo.de/gruenderraum/2014/04/05/blacklane-2/ "Verkrustete Strukturen aufbrechen"], [http://www.wiwo.de/ ''Wirtschafts Woche''], 5 April 2014.</ref>
== Awards == At the European Tech5 Awards in March 2015, Blacklane was named the fastest growing tech startup in Germany.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wright|first1=Mic|title=Tech5 Germany: Blacklane named Germany's fastest growing tech startup|url=https://thenextweb.com/nextconference/2015/03/24/tech5-germany-blacklane-named-germanys-fastest-growing-tech-startup/|website=The Next Web|date=24 March 2015|access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref> The company was an official contender for the title of Europe's fastest growing tech startup at The Next Web Conference in April 2015 in Amsterdam, however the award went to Amsterdam-based Fairphone.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Van Wijhe|first1=Jelle|title=Tech5: Fairphone named Europe's fastest-growing startup of 2015|url=https://thenextweb.com/nextconference/2015/04/24/tech5-fairphone-named-europes-fastest-growing-startup-of-2015/|website=The Next Web|date=24 April 2015|access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref> In April 2017, The German Stevie Awards recognized CEO and co-founder Jens Wohltorf as a Gold winner for "Manager of the Year -- Transport."<ref>[http://stevieawards.com/gsa/blacklane-gmbh-manager-des-jahres "Blacklane GmbH - Manager des Jahres", http://stevieawards.com/gsa ''German Stevie Awards'']{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Blacklane won a Silver for Company of the Year - Automotive, Transportation and Transport.<ref>[http://stevieawards.com/gsa/2017-gewinner-der-german-stevie%C2%AE-awards "Gewinner der German Stevie® Awards 2017", http://stevieawards.com/gsa ''German Stevie Awards'']</ref>
In 2018, Blacklane won further Stevie Awards for Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year (Bronze), Technological Innovation (Gold), and Transport Company of the Year (Gold). Lux Life Magazine also awarded Blacklane the award for Most Outstanding Luxury Chauffeur Service - New York at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards that same year.
In January 2019 Blacklane, won Best Ground Transportation Company at the Business Travel Awards in London.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://content.yudu.com/web/1v9j3/0A1v9nj/MarchApril2019/html/index.html?page=60&origin=reader|title=March/April 2019|website=content.yudu.com|access-date=2019-09-17}}</ref>
== Conferences == In September 2014, Mobility in Transition, an open dialogue event in Germany, discussed the role of the taxi industry and mobility startups. Blacklane's CEO Jens Wohltorf addressed the crowd on the importance of moving and evolving together.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Mobilitaet-im-Wandel-Uber-wird-sterben-2398916.html |last=Briegleb |first=Volker |date=18 September 2014 |title=Mobilität im Wandel: "Uber wird sterben" |work=Heise |language=de|access-date=23 September 2019}}</ref> In July 2015, Tech Open Air in Berlin included a panel discussion with Blacklane, Uber and moovel on Government vs. Transportation Technology: Passengers Lose.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}
== References ==
{{reflist}}
Category:Companies based in Berlin Category:Ridesharing companies of Germany